21TRA279 Thriving After Covid: Psychological Steps of Recovery for Teachers and Pupils

According to Meyers and Cowie (2021), the closure of schools and limited access to friendship groups can result in acute anxiety and stress in young people. At a time where important events like graduations and birthday parties are cancelled and daily life revolves around a single household, it is the very young children who are among the most affected. Loades & colleagues (2020) highlight that social isolation can impact young children’s developing social skills. Lockdowns have resulted in reduced social interaction, increased stress and less physical activity. Long-term studies of the impact on children following natural disasters and famines have shown that consequences of such events can be significant and lasting (Yoshikawa et al., 2020). Effects such as lower educational attainment, increased health problems and difficulties with emotional regulation and overall wellness are all potential impacts that could be felt long after the COVID-19 virus has been controlled. This is why it is crucial that we are doing all we can to combat these effects now so that our children can be supported to navigate the short-term impacts of the pandemic before they become long-lasting negative impacts.

• Understand the key psychological impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on children and teachers themselves 
• Appreciate the immediate and long-term impact of Covid-related anxiety on a child and teacher, and the impact of timely therapy for both
• Understand the importance of supporting children who have experienced Covid-related emotional issues during or post-lockdown
• Be introduced to effective strategies that can safely and easily be implemented for children, as well as self-care strategies to ensure that teachers are taking care of their own mental health during reintegration

Bio of Presenter: Lorraine Lynch, CEO & Founder at Child Psychology Institute